MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — More than 200 pro chili teams were in Myrtle Beach, whipping up flavorful recipes and hoping to take home a $75,000 prize purse.
This is the fourth year the Beach ‘n Chili Fest has come to Myrtle Beach. It’s right by the boardwalk with the smell of chili spicing up the air as locals and tourists walk down rows and rows of tents.
With over 400 chilis in the competition, some were going tent by tent to taste each one of the unique recipes. More than 40 states were represented including Florida, where Michael Powers and his family traveled from.
Powers has competed in many challenges, earning the top prize in some of them. He hopes to do that at this championship alongside his family.
“All the family comes, the grandson, it’s a family thing,” he said. “Hanging out with all of the other chili cooks, it’s all family.”
Another cook, Dan Richcreek, traveled with other cooks from Pennsylvania, keeping their eye on the first-place prize. He said while he got very close to placing the day prior, it only made the competition that much harder.